Veterans who served in Northern Ireland's special forces have experienced severe mental health impacts from legacy investigations into their past actions. One former SAS member, referred to as Fred, attempted suicide after a court appearance related to his service during the Troubles. His wife stated that court proceedings forced him to relive decisions made over 30 years ago, leading to nightmares, breathing difficulties, and thoughts of driving his motorbike into a wall.

Another SAS soldier, who served much of his career in Northern Ireland, described struggles to leave his home after giving evidence at an inquest into the deaths of three armed individuals over 30 years ago. He now avoids strangers and public transport.

Former SAS Colonel David White, who completed multiple tours in Northern Ireland, criticised the government's push to repeal the 2023 Legacy Act. He stated that the move lacks benefits for the nation, veterans, or serving soldiers and serves to appease the Irish government in efforts to improve European relations.

The Legacy Act aimed to shield veterans from prosecutions decades after their service. Labour's plan to repeal parts of it, pledged in their 2024 manifesto, has advanced through two Commons readings and is under committee scrutiny.

Operation Banner involved around 300,000 British soldiers in Northern Ireland from August 1969 to July 2007. Of 1,441 soldiers who died there, 722 resulted from paramilitary attacks.

David Johnstone, Labour-appointed Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, called potential repeals a continuation of the IRA struggle through legal means.

A government spokesperson affirmed commitment to Operation Banner veterans. They noted the Legacy Act was ruled unlawful by courts and provided no real protections. The new NI Troubles Bill offers six protections developed with veterans' input.